Can Dogs Swallow Pennies? No — Post-1982 Pennies Contain Toxic Zinc
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Post-1982 US pennies contain 97.5% zinc and are extremely toxic to dogs. Zinc causes hemolytic anemia destroying red blood cells. Swallowing even one penny can be life-threatening especially for small dogs.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Vomiting, lethargy, pale or yellow gums, red-tinged urine, weakness, collapse, kidney failure.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately.
What to Avoid
all pennies — especially post-1982 US pennies
Preparation & Serving
Emergency vet immediately. X-ray to confirm and locate. Do not induce vomiting — penny may need surgical removal.
Did you know?
The US Mint changed penny composition in 1982 from 95% copper to 97.5% zinc with copper coating because the rising price of copper made each penny worth more as raw metal than as currency. This cost-saving measure inadvertently created a new toxicity hazard for pets.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 0
- Safe frequency
- Never
Source
What You Need to Know
US pennies minted after 1982 have a zinc core with copper coating. Stomach acid dissolves the penny releasing toxic zinc. A single penny can cause fatal zinc toxicity in a small dog. X-ray is needed to confirm ingestion and surgical or endoscopic removal is often required. Pre-1982 pennies are copper and less toxic but still a swallowing hazard.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
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